Cottage Cheese Bread: A Low-Carb, High-Protein Delight

Cottage Cheese Bread

This recipe offers a healthy and delicious alternative to traditional bread. Packed with protein and low in carbs, it's perfect for those following a low-carb, low-fat, or keto lifestyle. The cottage cheese creates a surprisingly light and airy texture, making it a versatile base for sweet or savory toppings.

Cuisine: American

Dietary Preferences: Low-Carb, Low-Fat, High-Protein, Keto-Friendly

Yields: 6-8 slices

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30-35 minutes

Ingredients:

* Cottage Cheese: 1 cup (225g), low-fat or fat-free, drained well (see instructions below)

* Eggs: 4 large, separated

* Cream of Tartar: 1/4 teaspoon (stabilizes egg whites)

* Optional Flavorings:

* Savory: 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, onion powder, Italian herbs, or everything bagel seasoning

* Sweet: 1 tablespoon sweetener (erythritol, stevia, or monk fruit blend) or my favorite, honey or maple syrup (if you don't have a problem with this type of natural sugar, my preference), 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, pinch of cinnamon

Equipment:

* Large mixing bowls (2)

* Electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer)

* Rubber spatula

* Baking sheet

* Parchment paper or silicone baking mat

* Fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth (for draining cottage cheese)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cottage Cheese:

* Draining is Crucial: Place the cottage cheese in a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth (if using cheesecloth, gather the edges to form a bundle and squeeze out excess liquid). Alternatively, press the cottage cheese in the sieve with the back of a spoon. The goal is to remove as much moisture as possible. This step is essential for achieving the right texture.

* Drain for at least 15 minutes: The longer you drain, the better the texture of the bread.

2. Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet:

* Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).

* Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.

3. Separate Eggs:

* Carefully separate the eggs, placing the yolks in one large mixing bowl and the whites in another. Ensure no yolk gets into the whites, as this will prevent them from whipping properly.

4. Combine Egg Yolks and Cottage Cheese:

* Add the drained cottage cheese and your choice of optional flavorings (garlic powder, sweetener, vanilla, etc.) to the bowl with the egg yolks.

* Use an electric mixer or whisk to blend the mixture until smooth and well combined. There should be no visible lumps of cottage cheese.

5. Whip Egg Whites:

* In the bowl with the egg whites, add the cream of tartar.

* Using a clean and dry electric mixer, beat the egg whites on medium speed until stiff peaks form. This means the whites should hold their shape when the beaters are lifted. Be careful not to overwhip.

6. Gently Fold Egg Whites into Cottage Cheese Mixture:

* This is the most important step for achieving the light and airy texture.

* First, add a spoonful of the whipped egg whites to the cottage cheese mixture and stir vigorously. This will lighten the mixture and make it easier to fold in the remaining whites.

* Then, gently fold the remaining egg whites into the cottage cheese mixture in two or three additions. Use a rubber spatula and cut down through the center of the mixture, then lift and fold the mixture over itself. Avoid stirring or overmixing, as this will deflate the egg whites. Continue folding until just combined; a few streaks of egg white are okay.

7. Shape and Bake:

* Spoon the batter onto the prepared baking sheet, forming 6-8 small, round "bread" shapes. You can use a large spoon or an ice cream scoop for more uniform sizes.

* Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the "bread" is lightly golden brown and feels firm to the touch. The baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven.

8. Cool and Serve:

* Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cottage cheese bread cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

* The bread will deflate slightly as it cools, which is normal.

Serving Suggestions:

* Savory:

* Top with avocado, sliced tomatoes, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper.

* Use as a base for a mini pizza with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and your favorite toppings.

* Spread with cream cheese or hummus and add sliced vegetables.

* Serve alongside soup or salad.

* Sweet:

* Top with berries and a dollop of Greek yogurt or whipped cream.

* Drizzle with sugar-free syrup or honey (if not strictly low-carb).

* Sprinkle with cinnamon and a touch of sweetener.

* Spread with nut butter.

Storage:

* Store leftover cottage cheese bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

* You can also freeze the bread for longer storage. Wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. Thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving.

Tips and Variations:

* Experiment with different flavorings: Add chopped herbs, spices, or extracts to customize the flavor of your bread.

* Add seeds or nuts: Sprinkle sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, or chopped nuts on top before baking for added texture and flavor.

* Make it cheesy: Add a sprinkle of shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or parmesan) to the batter for a cheesy flavor.

* Adjust sweetness: Adjust the amount of sweetener to your liking.

Enjoy your healthy and delicious cottage cheese cloud bread!